Tharold Simon the latest to leave LSU early

There have been and will be myriad non-surprises when it comes to players leaving eligibility on the table for a shot at the NFL. This one doesn’t exactly fit neatly into that category.

In an announcement made by his new agent, Peter Shaffer, LSU’s Tharold Simon has confirmed that he’s leaving the Tigers early for the NFL draft. The move is somewhat surprising, at least in the vein that the cornerback was not one of a handful of draft-eligible Tiger underclassmen who had been mentioned as realistic possibilities for an early departure.

Nonetheless, Simon has officially taken his leave of Baton Rouge.

“I have loved every minute of being a LSU Tiger, and my heart will always remain at this incredible institution that taught me so much about being an athlete, student and person,” Simon said a statement. “I truly hope that I will be lucky enough to make an NFL roster and do LSU proud.”

Simon led the Tigers in interceptions with four this season.

Safety Eric Reid and linebacker Kevin Minter are Tigers who had previously announced their decisions to leave LSU a year early. LSU is expected to lose at least two additional juniors before the Jan. 15 deadline.

If I were Les Miles, or even the Head Ball Coach, I would strongly suggest they recruit the Father and Son team that hunt for alligators in the Bayou. I think the Dad is “JT”….anyway, both those guys are RIPPED and the Dad is the arm-wrestling champ in the local bar. Put them at linebacker and let them loose. Other than helmets, I doubt they need any other equipment. They fear no one or on thing. And they are gentlemen unless you cross them. I think the Dad wears a black hat sometime. Tough hombres. The show they are part of appears on Nat’l Geographic Wild and the Animal Planet…need I say more. No wonder LSU is always tough.

Somebody will spend a 3/4th round pick on Simon for his size, speed, and pedigree. He’s not NFL ready, seems everybody is anxious to get the hell out of Baton Rouge. Must be frustrating to have all that talent and not be able to score on anybody.

rsmeans says:Jan 4, 2013 6:57 PM

LSU is now a slowly sinking ship. Before Saban they were a second tier SEC team and to that spot they shall return. Alabama and Auburn have mostly always been elite western conference powers and shall continue. Arkansas shall return as a contender with their new coach who is making all the right moves along with Gus at Auburn. TAM is a growing Western Power. LSU, Mississippi and Mississippi state will fit at the bottom of the conference but still make bowls like the Independence bowl most years.

johnclaytonsponytail says:Jan 4, 2013 7:55 PM

Did this guy say Auburn? I just when its rains you think the sky is falling.

thegamecocker says:Jan 6, 2013 12:47 PM

@johnclaytonponytail

He did say Auburn is an elite team of the western SEC. He is off his rocker. Ole Miss will continue to grow but LSU is so deep, it’s scary. If they had a QB, they’d be awesome. Les Miles will ultimately secure a great QB…..